Paper crafting is an immensely satisfying activity. Whether it allows for creativity in many ways or because paper was one of the first communication methods, it’s popular for hobby enthusiasts and passionate DIY-ers of all ages to this day. As with many craft activities, working with paper needs the right tools and supplies. Cardstock is one widely used supply by paper crafters.
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What Is Cardstock Paper?
Cardstock is a type of thick, durable paper. Also known as cover stock or pasteboard, this paper type falls between paper and cardboard concerning weight and stiffness. Because it offers more stability than standard paper but is less rigid than cardboard, it’s ideal for craft projects and creating cards. In addition, cardstock paper is thinner and more flexible than cardboard and paperboard.
It holds ink, glue, and paint well, making it versatile for professional and DIY purposes. Its sturdiness makes it suitable for printing high-quality images, while its flexibility ensures it can be easily cut, folded, or embossed. This multipurpose paper can enhance any handcrafted item and give brochures, pamphlets, business cards, greeting cards, invitations, and scrapbooking a polished appearance.
How to Choose the Right Type of Cardstock?
You’ll find various thicknesses, sizes, textures, colours and finishes when searching for cardstock paper for crafts. Here’s what you need to know to choose the correct type for your crafting needs.
Weight and Size
The cardstock’s thickness is measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per metre (gsm): the higher the number, the thicker and heavier the paper. The ideal cardstock thickness depends on your project:
- Lightweight cardstock (176–216 gsm) is great for flyers, postcards, brochures, and light crafts due to its easy foldability and printability, offering more heft than standard paper.
- Mediumweight cardstock (216–271 gsm) works well for greeting cards, invitations, posters, and scrapbooking because it balances durability and flexibility.
- Heavyweight cardstock (271–300 gsm) offers a premium feel and sturdiness for more rigid projects like business cards, certificates, and tags.
- Extra heavyweight cardstock (300–350 gsm) is perfect for gift boxes, packaging, and die-cut projects as it’s highly durable and suited for 3D crafting.
- The most popular cardstock sizes, expressed in inches, are 8.5″ x 11″ (normal letter size) and 12″ x 12″ (frequently used for scrapbooking). Other sizes include 5″ x 7″ for invitations and greeting cards, and 4″ x 6″ for postcards and smaller crafts. These sizes are easy to find and work well for various DIY projects.
Textures and Finishes
Cardstock comes in various textures and finishes, each offering a unique look and feel for crafting. Glossy cardstock has a shiny, reflective surface, while matte cardstock features a flat, non-reflective finish. Vellum cardstock originally made from animal skin, ranges from semi-transparent to opaque. Textured cardstock has a distinctive feel due to its unique fibre composition, with common textures including linen, canvas, and wood. Glitter cardstock is coated with coloured glitter, adding sparkle, while iridescent cardstock shimmers with changing colours depending on the viewer’s angle.
Ideas for Using Cardstock Papers
In today’s digital age, you might think finding new ways to use paper would be tough. However, social media has sparked a huge rise in paper crafting’s popularity over recent years. Since cardstock is simply paper, it’s highly versatile and easy to use.
There are endless ideas for cardstock crafts online, from Instagram to Pinterest, whether for cardmaking, journaling, scrapbooking, or mixed media art. Its versatility makes it perfect for both wet and dry techniques, earning it the reputation as a top choice for creating beautiful cards, layouts, and pages.
DIY Tags and Bookmarks
One of the easiest ways to use cardstock is by making DIY tags and bookmarks. You can easily find YouTube tutorials on creating elegant bookmarks using cardstock paper, stamps, embossing inks, powders, and other supplies. You can use the same process, yet each bookmark you create is unique. You can also design quick gift or holiday tags with white cardstock, embellishments, sequins, and ribbons in less than 10 minutes.
Handmade Cards
Sure, buying a card at the store is easier, but nothing beats the personal touch of a handmade card. Whether you use coloured or white cardstock, there are endless cardmaking ideas you can try, like:
- Thank you cards,
- Holiday cards,
- Motivational or inspirational cards,
- Birthday and greeting cards,
- Wedding invitations.
Mini Album
What better way to cherish your memories than with a mini photo album? Using this kind of paper, whether white or coloured, you can start making one right away. Search for crafters’ blogs for some quick and easy ideas.
Scrapbook Layouts
Cardstock is great for scrapbook pages. Grab some 12” x 12” white cardstock, adhesives, embellishments, pens, and photos. If you need coloured cardstock, browse for some options. Ideas include:
- Family-themed layouts,
- Travel scrapbooks,
- 8” x 8” scrapbook pages,
- Pocket or baby scrapbooks,
- DIY Home Décor.
Did you know you can create DIY home décor with just colourful cardstock? From Christmas ornaments to vision boards, you can craft holiday décor, framed artwork, and gift boxes.
Cardstock Flowers
Remember making paper flowers as a kid? This easy craft is back in style, thanks to stores offering a variety of paper for flower-making. Paper flowers are popular because they’re affordable, long-lasting, easy to make, and perfect for decorating or gift wrapping. Whether making roses or peonies, cardstock flowers are fun to create. Just use high-quality, heavyweight (35 lb to 110 lb) cardstock. Great options include:
- Patterned paper pads,
- Coloured and gradient cardstock,
- Gold foil paper,
- Vellum.
